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Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us at an online or in-person event where you find out more about Local Government Organisation, ask questions and find out how to have your say. 


Weather warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms from Friday 18 July and an amber weather warning on Saturday 19 July. Read our advice during severe weather for more information.  


Essential maintenance to our planning services

There will be disruption to our planning services from Thursday 17 July to Saturday 19 July. This is whilst we carry out some essential maintenance. You will not be able to search or comment on a planning application during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

Mandatory rate relief

What is business rates relief and who can claim?

Rate relief is a reduction from the council on your business rates bill. The amount of rate relief depends on the type of organisation or business. 

Relief is available to:

  • charities and community sports clubs
  • rural post offices, general stores, food shops, pubs and petrol stations
  • small businesses which are defined by the rateable value(s) of the properties they occupy. The rateable value of your property is set by the Valuation Office Agency. We use this value to work out your business rates bill.

If you want to claim small business rate relief, go to our small business rate relief page.

The council offers some discretionary reliefs for charities, not-for-profit organisations and rural businesses. These reliefs can also 'top up' a mandatory relief so that you pay no business rates.

A separate application is required for each rating assessment. This is because relief is linked to the use of the property.

A new application is required each year. We may ask applicants to self certify if their circumstances have changed from those in their original application.

The following pages state the organisations that can receive mandatory and/or discretionary rate relief. They state the criteria that need to be satisfied to receive the relief.